Feeling frustrated with people tuning out of your explainer videos too soon?
It’s time to switch things up with animated cartoon videos.
They’re designed to grab attention and keep them hooked.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tough to keep viewers engaged with long, information-heavy videos.
While you can’t skip out on important details, you can make your content more engaging.
Cartoon explainer videos use animated characters and creative storylines to turn boring content into something fun and memorable.
These lively and relatable characters catch viewers' attention right away and keep them hooked.
Not only do these videos engage viewers, but they also boost conversions for brands.
If you too want to transform your dull B2B explainer videos into captivating content, check out this guide.
It covers everything you need to know about cartoon animation videos—their benefits for B2B businesses, how to create them, and includes some real-life examples to inspire you.
Source: Dribble
These are short animated videos that break down how things work in a fun and simple way.
So, what makes cartoon explainer videos stand out from other explainer videos?
It’s all about the character.
Character animation is the heart of these videos.
The character or persona drives the story, helps guide the narration, and tackles the problems being addressed.
Animators create these characters and use their movements, speech, and tone to bring them to life.
Each character is designed with a unique personality, emotions, and a journey to go on.
They can represent a wide range of people and feelings.
What makes cartoon explainer videos so effective is just how relatable these characters are.
They connect with the audience and make the content engaging.
Because of this, cartoon explainer videos are incredibly versatile for marketing your product or service.
They use catchy scripts and vibrant visuals to capture the right attention and engage the right viewers.
These videos can be your ultimate conversion catalyst.
That’s why adding them to your marketing strategy can be so effective.
Here’s a closer look at how cartoon explainer videos play a role in B2B marketing.
Animated Cartoon videos offer B2B explainer videos major creative freedom, allowing them to design any world or style they want.
This gives them a way to make information engaging and accessible to potential customers.
After all, who can resist a fun, animated story?
But beyond just being creative and eye-catching, these videos offer other important benefits for B2B marketing.
The following points highlight the key benefits of animation videos featuring cartoon characters:
Source: Freepik
Cartoon explainer videos are great at simplifying complex ideas with fun, engaging visuals.
How does that benefit B2B companies?
It helps them explain intricate concepts in a way that's easy to understand.
This means decision-makers can quickly get the gist of your products or services.
Plus, the visuals make the information clear and easy to follow, reducing the chance of any confusion.
Using unique animation styles and well-crafted characters can really set your business apart from the competition and create a memorable brand identity.
Imagine watching a sales explainer video for your business where a character faces the same sales challenges you do, with funny and relatable actions that mirror your own frustrations.
You’d instantly connect with that character, right?
That’s the magic of creative visuals and storytelling of cartoon explainer videos.
They help your brand stand out and make it easier for audiences to remember and connect with you.
This not only boosts your brand’s image but also builds a stronger emotional bond with your audience.
Cartoon explainer videos are super flexible and can be used just about anywhere—websites, social media, email campaigns, you name it.
This versatility means you can use them at different stages of the sales funnel, helping to reach potential clients through multiple channels.
It’s a great way to boost your overall marketing strategy and keep your message consistent across the board.
Cartoon explainer videos use relatable characters to give your business a more friendly and approachable vibe.
Instead of coming off as just another slick corporate video, these animated characters add a personal touch, making your company feel more relatable and less intimidating.
It’s a great way to create a positive impression and build trust with potential clients.
Source: Freepik
Animated cartoon characters are not just fun; they’re great for getting viewers involved and encouraging feedback, even in B2B scenarios.
Picture this—a cartoon explainer video for a B2B software company features a friendly character walking viewers through the platform’s features.
This approach creates a warm, welcoming vibe, making potential clients feel at ease and more likely to ask questions or share their thoughts.
It’s a fantastic way to build a stronger connection and get your audience more engaged.
Animated cartoon characters and eye-catching visuals can really stir up strong emotions.
When viewers feel a connection or think the content is entertaining, they’re more likely to share it with others.
This means your video gets a bigger reach and makes a bigger impact across social media and other platforms.
For sensitive or intimidating topics, like healthcare info, animated characters can really help make things feel more approachable and less overwhelming.
Imagine a B2B healthcare company putting together a video to explain a new, complex treatment.
By using an animated cartoon character to walk viewers through the process in a friendly, easy-to-follow way, the company can make the info less daunting.
This is super useful for breaking down complex details for medical professionals or clients who might find traditional presentations too technical or intimidating.
Even topics that might not seem exciting at first can become much more engaging with cartoon explainer videos.
They turn boring or complex subjects into fun, visual stories that grab viewers' attention and make internal communications or less thrilling topics way more enjoyable.
Plus, they can even tap into nostalgia!
Animated characters that remind viewers of their favorite childhood cartoons can create a strong emotional connection.
This sense of nostalgia boosts engagement and makes the content stick in their memory.
Cartoon explainer videos can give your Video SEO a real boost.
Websites with video content tend to rank higher in search engine results.
Plus, when you add videos to your site, visitors usually stick around longer, which search engines notice and like.
So, not only do you get more eyes on your content, but you also improve your chances of showing up higher in search results.
Source: Freepik
At the end of the day, the goal of any marketing strategy is to boost those conversion rates.
Cartoon explainer videos can be a game-changer here.
When used smartly, they can really up your conversion rates.
By showcasing what’s great about your product or service in a fun and engaging way, these videos can persuade potential customers to take action.
So, they’re a powerful tool for any business looking to up their marketing game.
To see just how effective these videos can be, let’s check out some real-world examples that showcase their power in action.
Cartoon explainer videos are everywhere these days—from startups and established businesses to local mom-and-pop shops, NGOs, government institutions, and major corporations.
It’s clear that this format is a favorite for a reason.
So, let’s dive into some standout examples of such cartoon animation videos that truly shine and see what makes them so effective!
This 2D animation video, with its flat design elements and a hint of 3D, is truly engaging from start to finish.
Seriously, I couldn’t look away!
Why?
Because the transitions were perfectly synced with the voiceover.
When the narrator mentioned "easier, simpler, better," the visuals transformed in just the right way—super impressive.
The real highlight was the use of relatable characters to showcase how Twilio’s Customer Engagement Platform works.
It kicked off with Lorraine, preparing for a 10K run.
She downloads an app to help her train, and thanks to the Customer Engagement Platform, the app can text her with race-day gear recommendations.
Then we met Andrea, who’s always ordering pizza.
With the help of Twilio, his favorite pizza chain can send him deals so everyone gets a slice.
By using these characters, Twilio showed how their platform transforms basic transactions into personalized conversations, making brands more engaging through trusted first-party data.
And the best part?
The video made all this information fun and dynamic, with smooth transitions and lively visuals that felt like an exciting ride!
This 2D infographic video really nails it.
Explaining diseases, treatments, and healthcare products can be tough, but this video does it brilliantly.
It starts with a doctor explaining the symptoms of dry eyes and how Santen Diquas can help.
The video uses infographics to cover the causes, symptoms, and benefits of the treatment, showing exactly what happens inside the eye when you use Diquas.
Live-action video couldn't show this level of detail.
Using a doctor’s character to narrate builds trust.
Even though it’s an animated doctor, it feels credible.
You get the sense that they know what they’re talking about, and it makes you trust their recommendation for this eye treatment.
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, right?
This cartoon explainer makes you feel that!
The video starts with a character literally running against time, juggling numerous tasks.
Symbolically, it begins with dark clouds and thunder, setting an eerie tone.
Our character is visually stuck in a whirlwind of meetings, broadcasts, emails, campaigns, and strategy writing.
We see her distress growing, reflected in her face and the fast-paced narration.
Suddenly, the narrator pauses and takes a deep breath, and so does she.
The brand steps in, acknowledging the struggle and saying, "We get it."
They explain that while they can't create more hours in the day, they can help elevate your emails.
As they introduce their solution, the dark clouds disappear, and the screen brightens.
The video then explains how SendGrid works, showing the character exploring its features and benefits.
The brand does a great job of making you feel understood and then provides a practical solution.
This 2D explainer video does a great job of breaking down complex ideas with simple analogies.
It starts by comparing two scenarios– walking on a table at home versus walking on a rope between two buildings.
At home, the risk is minimal, but on the rope, it’s much higher.
Then it asks, how does UNICEF manage risks?
To explain, it uses the analogy of tightrope walkers.
Tightrope walkers use several strategies to lower the likelihood or impact of a fall.
They practice a lot to stay stable and use poles to lower their center of gravity, reducing the chance of falling.
But accidents can still happen.
So, what happens if they fall?
They try to lower the impact.
They have safety nets and trained personnel to help reduce injuries if they fall.
By addressing both the likelihood and impact of falling, tightrope walkers manage their risks effectively.
The video then parallels this to how UNICEF manages risks.
Using a relatable example, the video simplifies UNICEF’s complex risk management process, making it easy to understand and connect with viewers on a personal level.
This 2D animation video is all about playful and colorful designs.
It highlights Facebook's Community Standards to make their platform safer and more welcoming.
It starts with our main character walking through a park, which represents Facebook as a happy place where people come together to share their thoughts and feelings.
But then, as she moves to a less cheerful part of the park, the narration talks about how sometimes people share upsetting and insensitive content.
We see her check her phone and get a troubling message, symbolizing bullying and hate speech.
The video explains that this is why Facebook has global Community Standards—to figure out what content needs to be removed to keep everyone safe.
It uses graphics and narration to show how these standards were created and how they help catch harmful content before it even reaches users.
You’re also encouraged to report any bad stuff you see, anonymously.
The video shows what happens when you report something.
It explains how Facebook’s team reviews it based on these standards and makes a decision, usually within 24 hours.
In the end, we see our character joining a warm and welcoming group at a table, symbolizing Facebook's effort to create a safe space for everyone.
It’s a great use of symbolism to drive the message home.
This 2D animation video really nails character-driven storytelling.
Imagine a character sharing their real-life story—it’s such a powerful way to connect.
In this video, we follow Thomas, who talks about his life after an 18-year relationship ended.
He ended up with credit card debt and struggled financially after his partner left him with all the bills.
When his boss suggested trying Credit Karma, Thomas decided to check it out.
The video captures his reaction when he sees his credit score—it’s at rock bottom.
But he starts using Credit Karma’s tips on how to improve his credit and eventually gets approved for a new credit card.
Now, Thomas and his 13-year-old pup, Cosmo, are on the hunt for the perfect home.
The story wraps up on a positive note with them searching for their new place together.
What makes this video even more compelling is that it’s based on real interviews with people from across the US about their credit journeys.
Their stories, along with their pets, are brought to life in a unique and engaging way.
It’s a great reminder that even in tough financial times, there’s hope and practical support available.
This 3D animation video takes a playful and engaging look at IBM Industry's AI-powered supply chain solutions.
Our guide, Charles, leads us through the fictional IBM Lab, where each room represents a different supply chain scenario.
The video kicks off with the familiar issue of delayed shipments and their effects on supply chains.
But here’s the twist—IBM’s AI now analyzes all available data to predict and warn about potential disruptions.
It even decides which team member should tackle each issue and learns from past solutions to prevent future problems.
This means the company can respond faster and keep things running smoothly, minimizing any disruptions for customers.
Then, the video addresses how tricky a task it is to maintain traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
It introduces IBM's blockchain technology as a solution.
It shows how this technology revolutionizes supply chain management with features like tracking, verification, and real-time updates.
Even though the technical details could get a bit heavy, Charles and the sci-fi theme keep it entertaining.
That’s the magic of explainer cartoon animation videos—they turn complex topics into something fun and easy to understand!
This 2D animation brings to life the stories of people who’ve faced some tough situations—like a tree smashing into a house, a fire destroying a business, or a bird hitting a bus mirror.
Even though the characters are animated, their distress is so real that you can’t help but feel for them.
Then the video shows how Erie Insurance stepped in to help.
It highlights their agents, who acted quickly and efficiently.
One agent even brought his family to help clear the fallen trees from a house.
It’s like an animated testimonial video, showing real-life examples of how Erie Insurance makes a difference.
Seeing these stories can really build trust, as potential clients get to hear how others have been helped and satisfied.
It’s a great way to show that the company is reliable and caring.
Gifting is a common way to show you care, but let’s face it—picking the perfect gift can be a real challenge.
We’ve all been there, worried about giving something the recipient might not like or need.
So what’s the solution?
Enter Feels.
Instead of stressing over what to buy, Feels lets you give someone the gift of giving.
Here’s how it works—you make a donation, and the person you’re gifting gets to decide where the money goes.
It’s a simple solution that takes the guesswork out of gifting.
The animated video does a fantastic job of explaining all this with relatable characters.
It keeps things engaging and clearly shows off what Feels can do.
This 2D animated video brings a lively office setting to life with animated cartoon characters.
We start by seeing busy sales reps on the phone, with a funny mumble of voices in the background.
Some reps are closing deals left and right, while others are struggling.
This leads to wasted leads, lost revenue, high customer acquisition costs, and increased turnover.
The root of the problem often lies in how reps talk to customers—what they say, how they say it, and how customers respond.
And there’s usually not much visibility into these conversations.
Enter the SalesMath Conversational Intelligence program.
The video shows how this tool helps analyze what makes top performers successful, highlights best practices, and uncovers missed opportunities.
It guides the team, including new hires, to improve their performance.
As the program is put to use, the sad emojis above struggling reps turn into happy ones, and even the manager joins in dancing with joy over the improved results.
With its mix of humor and professional animation, the video makes the product’s benefits clear and engaging, giving the brand a relatable, human touch.
This 2D animated video has a sleek, modern design and features quirky characters like a circle-headed figure and a triangle-headed person.
The video shows these characters enjoying their passions—like the green circle painting and the triangle baking—illustrating how finding your people means connecting with others who share your interests.
Next, it introduces Commnyco, a platform where you can find your perfect niche, whether you're a creative, a creator, or just looking for like-minded individuals.
With lively music and smooth visuals, the video makes it clear how Commnyco offers a free, specialized space where you can truly belong.
This 3D animated video is designed to be friendly and easy to follow.
It kicks off with a hand holding a pencil, nervously tapping on a table covered with medical papers, setting the stage for the challenge of finding the right doctor.
The voiceover chimes in, highlighting how choosing a doctor can be a real headache and super time-consuming.
Next, we see the hand knocking on different doors and interacting with various professionals.
The transitions between half-faces of different characters really emphasize the repetitive and frustrating process.
Then, the Med Mart App makes its entrance.
The video shows how the app simplifies finding local doctors and planning cosmetic procedures.
You can pick your treatment, choose doctors to bid on your procedure, send pictures of the area you want treated, and even handle the funding—all from your phone.
In a fun twist, doctors line up with stars above their heads showing their ratings, some nervously wiggling.
With Med Mart, you’re no longer chasing after doctors. Everything you need is right at your fingertips, and you’re in control.
This 2D animated video has a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
It starts by clearly explaining what Connectpay is and how it makes payroll and financial management easier for businesses.
It covers features like automated payroll, compliance, and reporting.
Instead of just listing features, the video uses a relatable small business owner to show how Connectpay can be the perfect partner for handling payroll and tax compliance.
Throughout the video, a Connectpay sales rep is shown helping her, which builds trust and shows that support is always available.
This 2D animated video is a blast with its playful and engaging design.
It kicks off with a dramatic scene—lightning bolts and rain around a workspace.
Then, a narrator asks a question, and a hilariously confused character appears on screen, looking everywhere.
When the narrator asks if you’re struggling to get results from your marketing, that character’s funny expression is sure to make you laugh.
Next, the video shows a hand tossing banknotes into a comically designed trash can, which even has flames coming out of its head.
This scene illustrates how you are literally burning money.
It emphasizes the wastefulness of ineffective marketing when you could be using Snappy Kraken.
Each problem is portrayed by these quirky characters, adding to the video’s entertainment value.
The video then introduces Snappy Kraken, a marketing system that helps financial advisors connect with clients and grow their businesses.
It demonstrates how Snappy Kraken can attract more clients with its engaging visuals and witty approach.
This 3d animation video starts with a friendly narration, making you feel like it's speaking directly to you.
It begins by talking about the days when designers had to settle for flat, uninspired designs.
Our character humorously doodles on the screen, only to see her creations fall flat like cardboard.
It suggests that without spending years mastering complex software, 3D design was out of reach.
Then, it introduces Spline as the easy solution.
This 3D design tool is showcased next, showing how users can easily create 3D objects, animations, and interactive designs.
Using the power of animation, the video highlights Spline's user-friendly interface and its versatility in various design projects.
We see our character using all the features in real time.
She effortlessly transforms a square into a cube, rounds its corners, views it from different angles, changes its size and color, and collaborates with her team on a design.
Watching the character do all this without heavy explanations makes the video so engaging.
Plus, the use of 3D elements, fluid transformations, and vibrant colors keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Overall, all the videos in this list show how even small, quirky characters can bring a lot of charm to complex topics, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.
Now that you see their appeal, let's dive in and learn about explainer video production.
But before that, you might also want to check out our other list of 12 Best Cartoon Explainer Videos for Effective Visual Communication.
Creating effective cartoon explainer videos involves a structured approach that combines storytelling, visuals, and clear messaging.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you produce videos with impactful animated cartoon characters::
Source: Freepik
A strong script is the foundation of a great explainer video. It should-
Aim for a duration of about 60 to 90 seconds, which is usually optimal for holding viewers' attention.
However, if your topic needs more time to be fully explained, don't hesitate to go beyond this timeframe.
Once your script is ready, record the narration with a voice that fits your brand's personality.
If your character has dialogue, make sure to find the right voice actor for that too.
Pre-edit the audio.
Remove any mistakes or pauses to ensure smooth integration with visuals.
Source: Freepik
Collect or create the visuals to accompany your narration:
Combine your audio and visual elements using video editing software:
Source: 90 Seconds
Prepare your video for sharing:
Now you know how explainer video production is done.
So, now you’ve seen how animated cartoon videos can be a game-changer, right?
Even if you’ve watched a few before, you might not have realized just how effective they are as marketing tools.
While explainer videos can sometimes be a bit dry, cartoons or animated characters add a fun twist.
They make complex information easier to digest and turn the learning journey into an engaging experience.
These videos let you use characters to convey different emotions and make any topic—from medical conditions and insurance saves to social media app features—more relatable and entertaining.
So, take inspiration from these examples and craft a cartoon explainer video strategy that turns your brand’s content from forgettable to unforgettable.